Africa has never sold more than 20% of its goods exports within the continent in three decades

  • Only 16.9% of Africa’s merchandise exports were sold to other African countries in 2024.
  • Africa had the second-lowest intra-continental export share, ahead only of Oceania’s 4.8%.
  • Europe recorded the highest share at 65.6%, followed by Asia at 58.4% and the Americas at 54.0%.
  • Europe’s intra-continental export share was nearly four times Africa’s.
  • Africa’s share increased from 12.1% in 1995 to 16.9% in 2024, a rise of 4.8 percentage points.
  • Despite this long-term improvement, Africa remained below its 2015 peak of 18.8%.
  • Africa has not crossed the 20% mark at any point in the three decades covered.

Africa created the world’s largest free-trade area to help African businesses sell more across the continent. But the roads, railways, border systems and payment networks needed to make that happen are still falling short.

In 2024, only 16.9% of Africa’s merchandise exports were sold within Africa. By comparison, Europe sold 65.6% within Europe, Asia sold 58.4% within Asia, and the Americas sold 54.0% within the Americas.

Africa’s share has improved from 12.1% in 1995, but it remains below its 2015 peak of 18.8%. The African Continental Free Trade Area, or AfCFTA, is cutting tariffs, simplifying customs and improving cross-border payments, but removing trade barriers alone will not be enough. Goods must also be able to move quickly and cheaply between African countries.

Source:

UNCTAD, Intelpoint calculations

Period:

1995-2024
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